When The Beach Boys Went To The Movies

The Beach Boys have embarked on a 50th-anniversary reunion tour this year, kicking off the media blitz with a Grammy performance featuring everybody from Maroon 5 to Foster the People.

As one of the pioneering rock bands of their era, the Beach Boys made a return to the spotlight that was met with a warm welcome, even though the material on their new album That's Why God Made The Radio, doesn't quite connect with fans like their bedrock material has. This past week I spoke with guitarist Al Jardine on his band's legacy and future plans as well.

With a nightly set list numbering almost 46 songs from their storied 50-year career, the Boys are pulling out all the stops this summer on their reunion tour. Now that Brian Wilson is back in the fold. don't expect this to be the last of these tours.

The Boys have been one of the most widely-used bands in modern cinema, because their evokes fun, happiness, longing and general youthful exuberance. It's perfect for comedies, dramas and period films. Used in the right way, it can also be downright creepy.

LOOK WHO'S TALKING

"I Get Around": This Kirstie Alley and John Travolta-starring masterpiece about bastard children used not one but two Beach Boys songs, including "I Get Around" in the opening scene, where sperm race towards an egg.

"When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)": Less science class, more cutesy.

TEEN WOLF

"Surfin' USA" : This pivotal scene in the Michael J. Fox coming-of-age drama features the roof of a truck, the Beachies, and a teen wolf. Don't try this at home, unless you have sharp wolf nails that can dig into metal.

FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR

"I Get Around": You don't remember this kid movie, but I do. Max wanted rock and roll, and young David hooked his alien ass up.